State Theatre
1008 N. Franklin Street,
Tampa,
FL
33602
1008 N. Franklin Street,
Tampa,
FL
33602
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From the Tampa History Facebook Group - The State Theatre, which was located at 1008 North Franklin Street and owned by Butler E. Gore, opened on December 26, 1940 with the movie Knute Rockne All-American. The State was a first-run movie house until the early 1950s, when attendance faltered because of the skid row reputation of North Franklin street. In 1956, the theatre featured adult movies and live burlesque shows. In April of 1956, W.T. Freytag Jr., the manager, was tried and convicted of displaying obscene and indecent nude pictures as advertisement for the film, Elysia, that was filmed in a nudist camp. The State Theatre closed and in March of 1957, Mae Fabrics held their grand opening, therefore continuing the history of the building.
This opened on December 26th, 1940. Grand opening ad in the photo section.
The State Theatre suffered from being located in an area that increasingly became a “skid-row” district back in the 1950s-60s. Much of that area was later cleared by urban renewal programs.
Love to have that “ROBIN HOOD” one sheet.Great pics,Nick.
Two photos of the gala premier of Warners' “King of the Carnival” at the State in 1955:
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Harry Lauter and Fran Bennett, the stars of the film make an appearance:
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Fran Bennett looks pleased with her crown:
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Great 1948 photos Nick. “Johnny Gonatos on Stage”!!!
Thanks all for the great pictures.
This is the State in 1984, courtesy of the State Archives. Everything from the State to the traffic light was demolished.
I heard the State Theatre was a Warner Brothers house for some time and played Warners pictures exclusively. The filmed-in-Tampa WWII epic “AIR FORCE” had it’s world premier here and was a huge city event.
When the theatre closed the building became a fabric store for several years. I can’t be sure but I think it was called Mae Fabrics. The State closed before my movie going days so I never got the chance to see it as a theatre. I visited the fabric store a couple times during the mid-1960s anxiously looking around for some detail of the theatre but alas there was nothing remaining of the State.
These two photos are dated 1948. Refreshment stand with lady employee. Looks like candy was a big seller in 1948. Where’s the popcorn machine?
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Line of people waiting to buy tickets for an exciting attraction.
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Works GREAT!
This might work.
I’m trying to get a new link. I think it might be the website. It’s not cooperating.
Photo wouldn’t work for me?
Open till 1955?
Anyone have more info or more photos?
This is a picture from 1943.